Friday, September 7, 2007

From now on I will be shouting out folks who deserve “special mention”. When traveling I take solace in minor deeds of hospitality. These are not necessarily otherworldly moments nor do I know everyone I meets back-story (that would take a lot of Italian, no?). Simply everyday people on their grind, who take the time to heighten my overall experience and comfort on this journey.

Meet Franco. He is a baker who works the late shift. For the past 4 nights, midway on a painfully long walk to where I am staying I stop in. He works alone from 12-6A, a typical baker shift churning out Pizza / Focaccia, Pane & Pastry (for Colazione / Breakfast) etc. We talk about the weather, laugh at our miscommunications (there are many), but more broadly we appeal to one another reciprocally. In his eyes I am a young and anxious fashionable foodie traveler (tipsy on whisky) seeking knowledge; to me he is the lifeblood of a city. He is happy to have me; not mad at the company. I move to a new apartment today so last night I paid him a final visit. He wished me well and gave me a loaf. Thanks Franco, I needed that!

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M* Steady Eats

Mikesteady : Committed

About Me

Music informed my love of food; a passion that has taken exponential control over my life and propelled me to the Mecca, Italia. Proudly born and raised in Brooklyn, NY I am equal parts a renaissance boy and a progressive purist. My professional background has been driven by all variants of Music. Record store slave, proud intern, project manager, A&R, compiler, groupie, promoter/event producer, dancer, Londoner and lifestyle marketing manager. I dangled from the corporate bridge, one hand firmly planted in the pockets of the artists, chefs, vocalists, promoters, managers, producers, DJ’s, florists and photographers who inspire my life while staring down reticently at the ocean of “possibility” controlled by men in suits. My passion for a broader meaning to life and love hoisted me up and informed my next move. Hone in on food; proudly integrate hospitality, nuance, subtext, color, composition and all the senses into my future trajectory. Open a restaurant, sooner than later! Pay dues, cook, accept discomfort and ultimately shine bright!